Uh-oh time for some major A/C work.(how A/C works) (archive)

Josh is right the device is the receiver/dryer and it receives cooled compressed liquid and sends it to the expansion valve which is next to the evaporator. These two are in behind the fan in the lower dash area. The liquid is flash evaproated (goes to a much lower pressure) across the valve and evaporator, and you now have used the hot air in the cabin to warm the liquid to a vapor state (and cooled the cabin). This low pressure vapor is now routed to the compressor for pressurizing into a high pressure vapor. Then to the condenser (radiator in front of the main radiator) to be cooled into a high pressure liquid. Ok got that part? Good.

The rec/dryer on your car has a high pressure and a low pressure switch to avoid the system running if it is plugged (High pressure) or low on refrigerant (low pressure). The later one to protect the compressor as the oil circulates with the refrigerant.

Now you blew the rec/dryer. How was the A/C working before this happened? Anyway, now is the time to convert to R-134a. Change the rec/dryer and the expansion valve, change some o-rings and look at koalamotorsport to see if your compressor is compatible with 134a. If yes, evacuate the system and fill with 134a, if not, more $$$ for a compressor. Hope that helps.

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Re: Uh-oh time for some major A/C work.(how A/C wo Todd Kenyon 16:21 6/21/2002 (0)

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